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“ALTHOUGH THE AMERICAN marketplace was bursting with great Southern rock bands during the 1970s, many of them multi-platinum sellers such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Marshall Tucker Band and Molly Hatchet, there was always room for talented newcomers. For 38 Special this was manna from heaven, launching into a marketplace that was primed for regional music, shifting enormous quantities of records, and selling out big venues.

Formed in Jacksonville, Florida, and fronted by Donnie Van Zant (brother of Skynyrd’s Ronnie and Johnny), the band secured a deal with cool independent label A&M, and carved out a solid reputation as one of the best Southern rock bands.

But the early 1980s the movement had to face some harsh realities, as musical trends were rapidly changing. Wild-Eyed Southern Boys, their fourth album, produced by Rodney Mills (Skynyrd, the Outlaws) and originally issued in 1981, showcased the band engaged in a wider musical palette.

The album became a major commercial success, combining Southern rock with a more polished sound. Tracks like the title track, Throw Out The Line, Bring It On and more helped establish the band with a wider audience.